Survey of 2016 Presidential campaign websites: on Immigration


Darrell Castle: No asylum & no path to citizenship

Q: How would you deal with the problem of illegal immigration and those already here illegally?

A: I believe that immigration in all its forms should be stopped until we can vet immigrants properly and our borders are under control. We can't be allowing people with terrorist ties, or who are carrying dangerous communicable diseases, to enter our country unchecked. But once we have regained control of our borders and the flow of immigrants, we can admit as many as we choose, in a controlled and lawful manner. I do not favor asylum for those here illegally nor do I favor a path to citizenship. Welfare or entitlement programs, if you choose to call them that, should be strictly for American citizens. I have said that I would not deport wholesale but I would not hesitate individually if the need arose.

Source: 2016 Presidential campaign website castle2016.com Oct 9, 2016

Evan McMullin: Secure our borders and enforce our laws

Our immigration system must secure our borders and enforce our laws as a basic matter of national security and rule of law. Once our borders are secure, we can begin a national debate on developing a system where law-abiding people can seek a path to legal residence and in some cases citizenship. Our immigration policies should give preference to people who bring unique skills, innovative ideas, technologies and companies to our country.
Source: 2016 presidential campaign website EvanMcMullin.com Aug 12, 2016

Ted Cruz: Bar refugees from terrorist-ridden regions

Border security is national security. Cruz introduced two bills to protect Americans from an influx of refugees who could be a national security risk, including legislation barring refugees from terrorist-ridden regions and legislation to recognize governors' authority to protect the citizens in their states by rejecting to resettle refugees in their state.
Source: 2016 presidential campaign website TedCruz.org Mar 15, 2016

Gary Johnson: Bigger border fence will only produce taller ladders

Having served as Governor of a border state, Gary Johnson understands immigration. He understands that a robust flow of labor, regulated not by politics, but by the marketplace, is essential. He understands that a bigger fence will only produce taller ladders and deeper tunnels, and that the flow of illegal immigrants across the border is not a consequence of too little security, but rather a legal immigration system that simply doesn't work. Militarizing the border, bigger fences, and other punitive measures espoused by too many politicians are all simplistic "solutions" to a problem caused by artificial quotas, bureaucratic incompetence and the shameful failure of Congress to actually put in place an immigration system that matches reality.

Governor Johnson has long advocated a simplified and secure system of work visas by which willing workers and willing employers can meet in a robust labor marketplace efficiently and economically.

Source: 2016 presidential campaign website GaryJohnson2016.com Jan 11, 2016

Martin O`Malley: Comprehensive reform to bring 11 million out of shadows

For the sake of our country's security, and our country's well-being, and our country's economic growth, we must bring 11 million of our neighbors out of the shadows by passing comprehensive immigration reform. Because the enduring symbol of our nation is not the barbed wire fence: it is the Statue of Liberty. We are a nation of immigrants. We are a compassionate and generous people. [We should] act according to our principles--and the better angels of our nature.
Source: 2016 presidential campaign website, MartinOMalley.com May 30, 2015

George Pataki: Immigrants come to work, not for government handouts

Today, those in the other party, instead of offering ideas, seek to divide. When you have no solutions, instead you offer fear.

They say we are anti-immigrant! We the proud children, grandchildren, and descendants of immigrants know that immigration has and will continue to enhance the greatness of this country.

Let's send that party a clear message. Unlike them, we don't believe newcomers to this Country come so they can get a Government handout. We know they come to work, to strive, to build a better life for their families. And we welcome all who come here legally.

They say we are against the middle class. This too is nonsense. Everyone here understands it is the men and women who go to work, pay their bills, and follow the rules that are the backbone of this country. We are the party of the middle class. They are the party of the past. WE must be the party of the future! I KNOW that with the policies we believe in, we can change the world.

Source: 2016 presidential campaign website: Announcement speech May 28, 2015

Rand Paul: Protect AGAINST feds creating a national ID card

I introduced legislation that would make immigration reform conditional on Congress voting on whether the border is secure, and protection against the federal government establishing a national identification card system for citizens. My "Trust but Verify" amendment requires Congress to enforce a border security blueprint rather than relying on bureaucracies, such as the Department of Homeland Security. The amendment also would provide new national security safeguards to track the student visas and those provided asylum and refugee status.
Source: 2016 presidential campaign website, RandPaul.com, "Issues" Apr 7, 2015

  • The above quotations are from Survey of 2016 Presidential campaign websites.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Immigration.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
  • Click here for more quotes by Bernie Sanders on Immigration.
  • Click here for more quotes by Jill Stein on Immigration.
2016 Presidential contenders on Immigration:
  Republicans:
Gov.Jeb Bush(FL)
Dr.Ben Carson(MD)
Gov.Chris Christie(NJ)
Sen.Ted Cruz(TX)
Carly Fiorina(CA)
Gov.Jim Gilmore(VA)
Sen.Lindsey Graham(SC)
Gov.Mike Huckabee(AR)
Gov.Bobby Jindal(LA)
Gov.John Kasich(OH)
Gov.Sarah Palin(AK)
Gov.George Pataki(NY)
Sen.Rand Paul(KY)
Gov.Rick Perry(TX)
Sen.Rob Portman(OH)
Sen.Marco Rubio(FL)
Sen.Rick Santorum(PA)
Donald Trump(NY)
Gov.Scott Walker(WI)
Democrats:
Gov.Lincoln Chafee(RI)
Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY)
V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
Gov.Martin O`Malley(MD)
Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)
Sen.Jim Webb(VA)

2016 Third Party Candidates:
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Roseanne Barr(PF-HI)
Robert Steele(L-NY)
Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA)
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Page last updated: Dec 09, 2018